Rose to remain with Sunderland

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Danny Rose will remain with the club for the rest of the season following Tottenham Hotspur’s decision not to recall the defender.

Martin O'Neill is keen to sign Danny Rose for Sunderland permanently

Rose, 22, joined the Black Cats on loan from Spurs in the summer and has excelled while on Wearside. His fine form had seen O’Neill explore the possibility of a permanent deal, something the player had also shown an interest in but that was quickly ruled out by Andre Villas-Boas last month.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, O’Neill confirmed Rose’s immediate future by saying: “The loan deal contained an option for Spurs to recall Danny this month, but they had to exercise that option by January 17. I’m pleased to say that they haven’t done so, so he will be with us for the rest of the season and that is really good news.

“I know that Andre Villas-Boas said last month that he intended to let him stay here for the season and I never felt he would change his mind - unless, of course, they had injury problems. But at least we now know for sure. Danny has done very well for us in the first half of the season and hopefully he will continue where he left off when he recovers from his hamstring injury.”

With O’Neill still keen to try and secure Rose long-term, Sunderland may look to test Spurs' resolve in the summer following the north London clubs decision to sign full-back Zeki Fryers in January. Forced off during the club’s 2-2 FA Cup draw with Bolton, O’Neill also confirmed that Rose is edging closer to a first team return after three games out.

“Danny is getting there, and we’re hoping that he might be back training again in another week or so,” he said.